Peter Shokeir | [email protected]
Council heard what would be involved in the municipality taking over land-use planning and development functions from Parks Canada.
Albert Flootman with Localis Consulting presented the assessment during council鈥檚 committee of the whole meeting on Nov. 22.
鈥淛asper has a unique context, and this unique context has implications for setting up a planning and development department,鈥� Flootman said.
鈥淪o, this report is intended not only to guide budgeting decisions in the short term but to provide extensive information as a resource that will help inform negotiation of (the) Parks Canada agreement, the recruitment of staff and the setting up of a planning and development department.鈥�
Unlike most communities, Jasper has no control over planning and development, which instead falls under the authority of Parks Canada.
This has led to friction between the agency and the community, such as recent disputes over sidewalk seating and private home accommodations.
On May 11, council met with senior officials from Parks Canada, where it was agreed that the parties would begin the process of reviewing the governance agreement.
Among other issues, the review will consider the potential transfer of land-use planning and development approval authority, which on July 19 council formally requested be transferred to the municipality.
Council also received correspondence from the CEO of Parks Canada on Nov. 1 that confirmed Parks Canada was open to the idea.
鈥淧arks Canada is open to considering the possibility of such a transfer and [acknowledging that] discussions between our respective representatives on this topic are ongoing,鈥� the correspondence stated.
Because Jasper is located within a national park, Parks Canada would continue to have a role in planning a development matters.
鈥淭aking over development approvals means that Parks Canada would no longer be involved in individual applications at the site level, but they will remain involved at a policy level,鈥� Flootman said.
This would likely include continuing parks sign-off on municipal bylaws, parks representation on a municipal planning commission and parks representation on a development appeal board.
鈥淗owever, there would be a significant gain, and that would be the ability to oversee and manage the application approval processes and ensure the local residents are getting the level of service that meets council鈥檚 expectations,鈥� Flootman said.
Should Jasper take over planning and development, the municipality would require three-to-four additional staff, including a senior manager of planning and development.
Total expenditures would be $520,000 to $643,000 per year, while revenue would be $200,000 to $220,000 per year.
Council is currently considering a request to allocate $151,000 for a manager of planning and development position in 2023.
The municipality will also need to create a land-use bylaw, look into building permit services, update its community plan and implement many other recommendations.
Committee received the planning and development feasibility report for information.
